The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that a dying woman who uses medical marijuana can be prosecuted under federal drug laws, the Associated Press reported March 14.

Angel Raich's doctor says marijuana is the only thing keeping the Oakland mother of two alive: Raich, 41, suffers from scoliosis, a brain tumor, and chronic nausea. She uses marijuana to fight her pain and stimulate her appetite.

Two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Raich in a pivotal medical-marijuana case, saying that California's medical-marijuana law does not protect medical users and suppliers from federal drug prosecution. In the latest case, the appeals court said that there is no exception for cases where a doctor says that marijuana is the only option for keeping a patient alive.

Raich said she would continue to use the drug regardless of the court's decision.